The City of Greater Dandenong recognises the clear health and social benefits in owning a pet and therefore encourages responsible dog ownership. One of the key components to maintaining a healthy and socially acceptable dog is good regular exercise. To assist residents in this important task, the council has created a number of areas within the municipality where dogs can be exercised off-leash. Council plan to increase the number off-leash areas. Following community calls for more off-leash areas, Council plan to expand the off-leash network to another seven parks over the coming years. For further information please download the Greater Dandenong Dog off-Leash Strategy.

Off-leash rules

• Dogs must only be off-leash in areas designated by Council.
• Dogs can be exercised off-leash only within these designated areas and must be put back on leash when you leave the sign-posted area.
• Dogs must be no more than 50 metres from the person walking them and under effective control by voice command or hand signal at all times.
• Dogs must remain on-leash in all areas, at all times, if any club or school sport is being played in the park/reserve.
• Dogs off-leash must not be within 20 metres of a playground at any time.
• Dogs must be wearing a current registration tag at all times when they are outside their owner's property.
• Dogs must not be allowed within 20 metres of a designated cycling path/track, unless separated from the track by a fence at least 1.2 metres in height.
• Dogs must not be allowed to chase people or other animals.
• Any droppings left by a dog must be cleaned up and disposed of properly.
  

Council officers randomly patrol parks and reserves to ensure compliance with these rules.

Penalties

• On the spot penalties of up to $250 apply for failure to comply with these requirements
• Much more serious penalties can apply to owners of dogs that rush at, menace or attack people or other animals.

For further information contact Council.